Xilisoft MP4 Converter Review: Features, Performance, and Tips

Convert Videos Like a Pro with Xilisoft MP4 Converter — Best Settings Explained

Xilisoft MP4 Converter is a versatile desktop tool for converting a wide range of video formats to MP4 (and related H.264/H.265/HEVC variants), optimizing files for devices, and controlling quality vs. file size. This guide walks through practical settings and workflows to get professional-looking results quickly.

When to use which profile

• Device-ready outputs (phones, tablets, Apple TV): Pick the device profile (e.g., iPhone/iPad, Android phone) — it sets resolution, codec, and container automatically for best compatibility.
• High-quality archive or editing: Use an MP4 (H.264 or H.265) profile with source resolution, high bitrate, and 2-pass encoding if available.
• Small file size / web uploads: Choose H.264 with lower resolution and constrained bitrate or use H.265 for better compression if your target supports it.

Essential settings (step-by-step)

1. Add files: File > Add File(s) or drag-and-drop.
2. Select Profile: choose a built-in device profile or pick “MP4” → then open Profile Settings for fine tuning.
3. Destination: Browse to choose output folder.
4. Convert: Click Convert. Use batch mode for multiple files.

Recommended advanced settings (best-practice presets)

• Use these as starting points and adjust based on source material and target.

1. High-quality master (archive / big-screen playback)

• Container: MP4
• Video codec: H.264 (or H.265/HEVC if supported)
• Resolution: keep original (or upscale only if needed)
• Frame rate: match source (avoid converting 24↔30 unless needed)
• Bitrate mode: Constant or VBR (2-pass)
• Target bitrate: 8,000–20,000 kbps for 1080p (adjust higher for 4K)
• Keyframe interval: 2–4 seconds (or GOP = frame rate × 2)
• Audio codec: AAC, 256 kbps, 48 kHz, stereo

2. Mobile device (good quality, reasonable size)

• Container: MP4
• Video codec: H.264
• Resolution: 720p (1280×720) for phones/tablets; 1080p for larger devices
• Frame rate: match source (or cap at 30 fps)
• Bitrate: 1,500–3,000 kbps for 720p; 3,500–6,000 kbps for 1080p
• Audio: AAC, 128–192 kbps, 44.1–48 kHz, stereo

3. Web / fast upload (smallest size, acceptable quality)

• Container: MP4
• Video codec: H.264 (or H.265 if site supports it)
• Resolution: 720p or 480p depending on audience
• Bitrate: 800–1,500 kbps (720p) or 400–800 kbps (480p)
• Profile level: Baseline/Main for maximum compatibility
• Audio: AAC, 96–128 kbps

4. H.265/HEVC (best compression)

• Use only if target devices/software support H.265. Use higher CPU/GPU resources and longer encode times. Choose H.265 for smaller file size at similar quality as H.264.

Encoder performance tips

• Enable NVIDIA CUDA or AMD APP acceleration in Xilisoft if your GPU supports it — large speed gains with H.264/H.265 encodes.
• Use multi-core CPU / multithreading — program uses batch conversion and multithreading by default.
• Two-pass VBR gives better quality/size than single-pass VBR for fixed-size targets; enable only when time allows.

Bitrate sizing and the Bitrate Calculator

• Use Xilisoft’s Bitrate Calculator (Tools > Bitrate Calculator) to set an exact output file size. Provide desired final size and audio bitrate; the tool computes necessary video bitrate.
• For streaming or upload targets, add a small safety margin (5–10%) above the calculated size to avoid quality loss from bitrate spikes.

Cropping, cropping & filters

• Crop to remove black bars (use Crop tab) to increase effective bitrate for visible pixels.
• Use brightness/contrast/saturation adjustments sparingly; heavy image processing can introduce artifacts.
• Add watermark or subtitles in the Effects panel if required.

When to change frame rate or resolution

• Keep frame rate and resolution the same as source for best quality unless you need compatibility or file-size reduction.
• Lower resolution or frame rate to reduce size for mobile/web; converting 60 fps → 30 fps halves frame data.

Quick presets table

Troubleshooting common issues

• Output won’t play on device: choose the device-specific profile or use Baseline profile for maximum compatibility.
• File too large: reduce resolution or video bitrate; use H.265 if supported.
• Poor motion/jerky playback: ensure frame rate matches source and keyframe interval is reasonable; lower bitrate can cause stuttering—raise bitrate.
• Encoding slow: enable GPU acceleration, use fewer concurrent jobs, or choose faster preset (lower compression).

Final workflow checklist (fast)

1. Load file(s). 2. Choose device or MP4 profile. 3. Open Profile Settings → set codec, resolution, framerate, bitrate mode. 4. Use Bitrate Calculator for fixed-size targets. 5. Enable GPU acceleration if available. 6. Convert and verify output on target device.

Use these settings as starting points and tweak for each source and target — with Xilisoft’s profile system and bitrate tools you can achieve professional results whether you need smallest size or maximum quality.